Rifle Gap Reservoir, Rifle Colorado - RIfle Gap is a popular West Slope fisher offering fine trout fishing among a thriving warmwater population. Campsites are available year-round.
Rifle Gap, a relatively narrow east-west oriented reservoir, has a reputation for producing large browns and thanks to stocking efforts offers excellent rainbow fishing. Walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, yellow perch and northern pike all prowl the reservoir offering anglers lots of options when it comes to chasing large fish. When the winter snows fly bringing an ice cap to Rifle Gap, auger toting anglers fish with great success.
Besides fishing, boating and water skiing are popular activities during the summer. The northwest shore sports a swimming beach offering a place to beat summer’s heat. For those wishing to extend their stay beyond a day visit, Rifle Gap has eighty-nine campsites.
The inlet areas offer large flats that are excellent areas to seek out perch and northern pike. Area walleye fishers know the island just north of the dam frequently holds fish. Working the rocky south shore and around the dam regularly produces smallmouth bass. While the north shore receives the highest levels of recreation traffic, it should not be avoided. The cove and points east of the boat ramp can be extremely productive for trout, bass, perch and walleye.
Getting there: Take I-70 to the Rifle exit, then go north on Highway 13 for three miles. This takes you through the town of Rifle on Railroad Ave. When the road comes to a y, stay to the right on Highway 13. Turn right onto Highway 325 and Rifle Gap will be about 6 miles. Fees: State Parks Pass. Daily vehicle pass: $6. Camping fees are additional. Boating: All Boats Allowed. Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is allowed
